Letter 4031: King Theodoric to Aemilianus, Venerable Bishop.

XXXI. King Theoderic to Aemilianus, the venerable man and bishop. [1] One ought to carry through to completion what the purpose of prudent men has been seen to undertake, for just as things brought to perfection bring forth praise, so they breed reproach when they are abandoned, sickly, in the midst of the attempt. For the failure of an enterprise proves either that the plan wavered or that the strength was lacking. Therefore let your holiness, shrinking from such reproach, swiftly bring to effect that which, with praiseworthy care, you have undertaken by our authority in the restoring of the aqueduct. [2] For what is more fitting than that a most holy priest should provide water for a thirsting people, and satisfy by human foresight those whom he ought even to have nourished with miracles? For you imitate the most ancient Moses, who, when the people of Israel had been parched by a long drought, drew abundant streams from the barrenness of the rock, and, to fulfill the miracle, made moist waters run forth from there, where there had been dry hardness. But you, if you lead down flowing springs by the construction of stones, bestow upon the peoples by this labor of yours that which he bestowed by miracles.

XXXI. AEMILIANO VIRO VENERABILI EPISCOPO THEODERICUS REX. [1] Ad finem debet perducere, quae prudentum intentio visa est suscepisse, quia sicut perfecta laudem pariunt, ita vituperationem generant, quae in mediis conatibus aegra deseruntur. defectus enim rerum aut consilium titubare aut vires arguit defuisse. quapropter sanctitas vestra a tali oblocutione refugiens, quae in aquae ductu reficiendo probabili cura ex nostra auctoritate suscepit, celeriter ad effectum faciat pervenire. [2] Nam quid aptius quam ut sitienti plebi provideat aquas sanctissimus sacerdos et humana providentia satiet quos etiam miraculis pascere debuisset? imitaris enim antiquissimum Moysen, qui Israhelitico populo longa ariditate siccato de saxi sterilitate copiosos latices eduxit et ad implendum miraculum inde fecit currere umidos liquores, ubi erat sicca durities. tu autem si fontes irriguos saxorum constructione deducis, hoc labore tuo praestas populis, quod ille miraculis.